SnapCast
Snapcast synchronizes audio playback across rooms, according to its project description.
About SnapCast
Snapcast is an open source client-server system for synchronous multiroom audio. It is not a standalone player. It works as an extension that lets an existing audio player play on multiple devices at the same time.
The Snapserver captures PCM audio from configurable sources such as named pipes, ALSA devices, TCP, files, or process output, then encodes it and sends it over TCP to connected Snapclients. Supported codecs include PCM, FLAC, Vorbis, and Opus. Clients stay time-synchronized with the server and can be grouped to play the same stream. It is often used with MPD or Mopidy.
It suits users comfortable with configuration files and command-line setup who want synchronized playback across rooms. Installation is available from prebuilt Linux packages, Homebrew on macOS and Linux, or by building from source for systems including Linux, FreeBSD, Android, Windows, and Raspberry Pi.
Key features
- Client-server audio with time synchronization across clients
- Group clients to play the same audio stream
- Multiple stream sources can feed server in parallel
- Supports PCM, FLAC, Vorbis, and Opus codecs
- Prebuilt Linux packages and Homebrew installation
- Build from source for multiple operating systems
Best for: People with an existing audio player who want synchronized playback on multiple devices and can handle manual setup.
Good for
- Open source client-server design
- Supports multiple audio sources and codecs
- Client grouping for shared streams
- Packages available for several Linux distributions
Watch out for
- Not a standalone player, needs separate audio source
- Setup requires editing config files and command-line options
SnapCast at a glance
- Website
- github.com/badaix/snapcast
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Media Players & Servers
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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SnapCast FAQ
What is Snapcast?
Snapcast is an open source multiroom client-server audio system that synchronizes playback across connected clients.
Is Snapcast a standalone music player?
No. It is an extension that routes audio from an existing player, such as MPD or Mopidy, to synchronized clients.
How do I install Snapcast?
You can install prebuilt packages on supported Linux distributions, use Homebrew on macOS and Linux, or build from source.
What audio sources and codecs does Snapcast support?
Sources include pipe, ALSA, file, TCP, and process output, with PCM, FLAC, Vorbis, and Opus codecs.
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